New Milton Town 0–1 Andover Town

Andover Town secured a much needed three points with a 1-0 victory against New Milton away from home. A bright start resulted in a dominant first 30 minutes. Emans posed problems down the right whilst Morgan did likewise on the opposite flank. With Jake Watson unavailable, Thorne returned after his suspension and shored up the defence.

The early pressure resulted in the first, and only, goal of the game. Ben Emans dancing past several chances on the right before squaring for Josh Bertie (pictured) to score his second in two games. Emans continued to cause problems. His long stride evading their left back routinely. Unfortunately, numerous opportunities came and went. A lack of decisiveness costing Andover an opportunity to add to their lead. Gradually, New Milton grew in to the game in terms of possession without causing any particular problems.

Half time - New Milton Town 0-1 Andover Town

The second half proved similar to their recent loses for Andover. Not capitalising on the initiative, Andover allowed New Milton to grow in confidence without creating too many clear cut chances. With the midfield trio of Pattison, Holmes and Benitez-Diaz providing bite in the middle of the park, the home side weren’t able to create too many chances. On the break, Andover created several opportunities with Bertie and Green being put through only for their efforts to either drift wide, saved or with the goal gapping. That said, unlike Wednesday, Andover soaked up pressure, looked comfortable defending and closed out the game in a way which gave their travelling support much needed heart. They move up to 14th, four points off top place with renewed confidence heading in to their game against big spending Bemerton on Tuesday.